AJ Ferrari, one of the most talked-about names in the wrestling world, is packing his bags for Nebraska. Known for his dynamic style on the mat and his equally dynamic persona off it, Ferrari broke the news on FloWrestling radio that he’s headed to Lincoln, creating quite the buzz among wrestling enthusiasts.
Ferrari’s move promises to spice things up, especially for fans of Penn State wrestling. His reputation precedes him—both for his performance and his vocal nature. This isn’t the first time Ferrari has had run-ins with big names; his rivalry with Penn State’s own wrestling icon, Carter Starocci, still echoes in the wrestling community.
There’s another layer to Ferrari’s story, though: a controversial past that’s seen its fair share of headlines. Let’s not forget, Ferrari became a national champion back in 2021, wrestling at 197 pounds for Oklahoma State—the same year Carter Starocci clinched his first of what would become four titles in the 174-pound category.
However, off-the-mat challenges arose in 2022 when a sexual assault investigation (later dismissed) led to Ferrari’s departure from Oklahoma State. Since then, his wrestling journey has been a series of twists and turns. He resurfaced unattached in December 2023, earning notoriety for a match that won’t soon fade from memory.
Ferrari’s career found new life at Cal State Bakersfield, where he showcased his skills by securing a third-place finish at the National Championships in the 197-pound division. But his journey took another turn when he entered the transfer portal again, initially committing to the University of North Carolina. That plan fell through, prompting Ferrari to set his sights elsewhere.
And so, his path led him to a Nebraska team that recently ranked a distant second behind Penn State at nationals. Now the big question looms: What weight class will Ferrari compete in for the Huskers? He might stay at 197 pounds, squaring off against Penn State’s reigning national runner-up Josh Barr. Or perhaps he’ll make the leap to heavyweight, potentially facing off against Cole Mirasola, who looks poised to follow in the footsteps of former national champ Greg Kerkvliet.
Only time will tell how the matchups shape up, particularly since Nebraska’s schedule with Penn State remains uncertain. What we do know is that AJ Ferrari’s move promises plenty of excitement—and perhaps a little controversy—in the collegiate wrestling arena.
